clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2012 NBA Playoffs: Game 5 Could Be Last Stand For These Hawks

While the Atlanta Hawks haven't been eliminated yet a question filled offseason awaits as pointed out by Peachtree Hoops writer Jason Walker. He highlights questions about ownership, management and finally personnel decisions.

At the top of Walker's list is ownership and whether or not the Atlanta Spirit Group will attempt to sell the team again. They have insisted otherwise since their failed sale attempt to Alex Meruelo over the summer. No doubt this is the biggest question facing this team because the answer affects the answers to many other questions.

Both general manager Rick Sund and Larry Drew will see their contracts expire this summer and the Hawks will have to make a decision on whether or not to bring one or both back or go in a different direction. There were earlier reports that Sund had been approached about a new contract but that he put the decision off until this summer on whether he even wants to return.

Larry Drew guided the team to 40 wins during the regular season despite injuries to key players. The Hawks grabbed home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs but have lost three straight after a Game 1 victory.

The Hawks salary cap situation is dire and only becomes more critical as Josh Smith enters the final year of his deal. Atlanta will be looking for any financial flexibility it can obtain this summer but its options may be very limited.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops.

Photographs by coka_koehler used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.